BY SHELBY TUTTLE

The term “Anthropocene,” a contested yet powerful label for our current geological epoch, signifies the profound and often destructive impact of humanity on Earth. While scientists debate its formal designation, the concept’s urgency is undeniable: we are living in a time defined by human-driven environmental change. This reality forms the core of “Anthropocene,” an ambitious, multi-year, devised physical theatre performance that seeks to translate the complex and often overwhelming narratives of the climate crisis into a visceral, actionable experience.

Conceived and spearheaded by a team of creators, including Director and Arizona State University Professor Rachel Bowditch, Dramaturg and Arizona State University Assistant Professor Karen Jean Martinson, and a dynamic ensemble of graduate and undergraduate students, “Anthropocene” began its journey in 2019. The project is a transdisciplinary endeavor, weaving together innovative media design, dance, movement, text, sound, and striking imagery to create a non-linear, mosaic-like portrayal of our world teetering on the edge.

The performance eschews traditional narrative structures, instead presenting a series of eighteen fast-paced episodes that traverse historical and contemporary landscapes. From the Silk Road, a precursor to globalization, to the Industrial Revolution’s soot-filled skies, the consumerist boom of 1950s America, and the stark realities of present- day sweatshops and environmental devastation, “Anthropocene” traces the escalating trajectory of human consumption. The stage becomes a visual testament to this trajectory, gradually filling with the remnants of our everyday lives: plastic bags, Amazon boxes, and the omnipresent symbols of unsustainable living.

Central to the project’s ethos is “eco-dramaturgy,” a framework that prioritizes ecological reciprocity and sustainable production practices. This commitment extends beyond the performance itself, influencing every aspect of its creation. Costumes are fashioned from recycled materials, and the physical and digital lobbies are designed to provide audiences with tangible climate action resources.

“Anthropocene” is more than just a performance; it’s a call to action. Recognizing the limitations of scientific data in driving public engagement, the creators aim
to harness the emotional power of theatre to inspire change. Audience members, cast, and crew are encouraged to make climate sustainability pledges, from simple lifestyle adjustments to significant commitments like installing solar panels or switching to electric vehicles.

The project’s timeline reflects its ambitious scope and dedication to thorough research and development. Beginning with initial devising labs in 2019, the project has progressed through multiple phases, including interdisciplinary collaborations with sustainability scientists, research trips for original media capture, and numerous work-in-progress showings. The design team, comprised of award-winning artists, ensures that the visual and sonic landscape of “Anthropocene” is as impactful as its message.

The performance’s development has been supported by grants and partnerships, allowing the team to engage with leading sustainability experts and present their work at international forums like the ISEA 2022 Symposium in Barcelona. This global reach underscores the project’s ambition to transcend local boundaries and contribute to a broader conversation about climate action. “Anthropocene” seeks to answer critical questions: How can performance ethically harness human stories and indigenous knowledge to address the climate crisis?

How can it transform climate grief into tangible action? By creating a visceral and dynamic experience, the creators hope to ignite a sense of urgency and inspire audiences to become active participants in shaping a more sustainable future. The premiere in November 2023 marked a significant milestone of the project, and in January was restaged as an immersive, 360-degree production at MIX in Mesa. But the project’s journey extends beyond Arizona. Plans are underway for the performance to tour nationally and internationally through 2027, amplifying its message and fostering dialogue. A dramaturgical production notebook will also be published, documenting the project’s eco- dramaturgical process and methodology.

“Anthropocene” is a powerful reminder that the climate crisis is not an abstract concept, but a lived reality that demands immediate and collective action. By merging artistic innovation with scientific data, the performance aims to illuminate the urgency of our present moment and inspire a transformative shift toward a more sustainable future.
Visit www.anthropoceneproject.com to learn more.”